Nicola's Veterinary
Nursing Services 

HOW DOES THE DISTRICT VETERINARY NURSE HUB WORK?

Please see dvnhub.com for details of how the Hub can connect you, your Vet and myself in order to facilitate a care plan for your pet. All pet's must be referred for treatment to be carried out - I can only work under the direct instruction of the Vet.

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HOW DO I KNOW I CAN TRUST YOU?

I have good connections with local Veterinary practices. I have clear DBS and ACRO police checks. I complete (and exceed) my Continuous Professional Development each year in order to stay on the Register. I have a clean driver's license. I have insurance through the Veterinary Defence Society and Holistic Insurance Services.

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WHO GOVERNS YOU?

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is the governing body for Registered Veterinary Nurses. I follow their Code of Conduct and Principles of Practice. In addition to this I follow the DVN Hub's District Veterinary Nurse Code of Conduct. I will only work under a Veterinary Surgeon's instruction (preferably written unless an emergency), after following the referral guidelines as per the RCVS and DVN Hub.

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MY PET NEEDS TO GO TO THE VET - WILL YOU TAKE THEM?

I can assist with this but I am not insured to take clients. We will need to discuss the best option for you and your pet, based on the concerns you have for your pet's health or medical requirements. I will discuss with the Vet any (nursing) care required and inform you on my return.

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DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH RARE OR EXOTIC SPECIES?

Some. I am confident, capable and happy to handle most mammals (small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs and rats are classed as an 'exotic' in the Veterinary industry) and have contacts within the Veterinary industry who can advice further if necessary. I am use to handling most poultry/ ducks and some pet birds (e.g. budgies, small parrot-types). I have handled various reptiles but my experience is limited. In most cases I am able to administer medication in a safe manner. As per the RCVS guidelines I will not take on work I am not able to complete competently or if there is a risk to you, your pet or myself. Please get in touch to discuss your exotic pet further.

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ARE YOU ABLE TO HELP IN AN EMERGENCY?

Only a Veterinary Surgeon can diagnose, operate and prescribe therefore I can only assist in your pet's care once the Vet has seen your pet and referred them to me. However, I can be involved in communications between you and the emergency service, and potentially provide transport as necessary.

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HOW DOES PAYMENT AND INSURANCE WORK?

I invoice my fees separately from your practice and require payment to be made directly to me, either in advance or at the time of the treatment/ consultation. I will write a report to your Vet who can update your clinical history. An itemised statement will be sent to your Vet when either you or your Vet requests it in order for the Vet to complete the insurance paperwork. You may request itemised statements and your pet's full clinical history as you wish.

All my fees will be discussed prior to your initial consultation and added to a consent for for you to sign. Please understand these fees are estimates as treatment plans sometimes need to be altered, or changed completely, as your pet's needs change. I will discuss my fees with you at each stage.

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DO YOU COMPLY WITH GDPR REQUIREMENTS?

Yes I do, within the rules and regulations that govern me and my profession. As part of the consent form you sign with my service, you will give consent for me to freely liaise with your Vet, other paraprofessionals as necessary and, if applicable, your insurance company. If I wish to use your pet's case as an example on social media, written consent via email will be obtained and can be withdrawn at any time (however I have no control of anything on the broader Web).

The only exception to the above is if I am concerned with the welfare of your pet - I am legally entitled to seek advice from the Veterinary Defence Society, RSPCA, police or other official bodies as necessary.

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PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS